Mubarak orders Egyptian electoral review

Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak today ordered a review and amendment of the country’s presidential election law, paving the way for multi-candidate polls in September.

“This morning I have asked the parliament and the Shura Council to amend Article 76 of the constitution, which deals with the election of the president to discuss it and suggest the appropriate amendment to be in line with this stage of our nation’s history,” Mubarak said in a speech broadcast live on Egyptian television.

Currently, Egypt holds presidential referendums in which people vote “yes” or “no” for a single candidate who has been approved by parliament.

The legislature has been dominated by Mubarak’s ruling party since political parties were restored in the 1970s.